Sports Illustrated Predicts Tyler Linderbaum's Future With Ravens
The future of center Tyler Linderbaum is one of the Ravens' biggest offseason storylines.
The Ravens declined the 2022 first-round pick's fifth-year option last April but made it clear that the goal is to sign him to a contract extension. That hasn't happened yet, and Linderbaum is sure to be highly sought-after if he hits free agency next month.
If the Ravens and Linderbaum don't reach an agreement on a new contract, the Ravens could use the franchise tag to keep the three-time Pro Bowler in Baltimore in 2026. Sports Illustrated’s Matt Vederame predicted that's what will happen.
"The Ravens declined Linderbaum's fifth-year option last offseason, largely because the rookie contracts don't distinguish between centers, [guards] and tackles," Verderame wrote. "So instead of taking the large financial hit, Baltimore made a bet it could retain Linderbaum without the future security.
"After another excellent year in which Linderbaum earned Pro Bowl honors, he's set to be the best offensive [lineman] to hit free agency. If Baltimore can't strike a deal before the franchise tag deadline on March 3, expect the Ravens to place the tag on their star center."
The problem with Verderame's reasoning is that the franchise tag for an offensive lineman is projected to be $27.9 million, per Over the Cap, which is more than the $23.4 million it would have cost the Ravens to pick up Linderbaum's fifth-year option.
The Kansas City Chiefs' Creed Humphrey, who signed a four-year deal worth $72 million ($18 million per year) in 2024, is the league’s highest-paid center. Linderbaum's next contract is expected to reset the market at the position.